Chicago Union Station facts for kids

Union Station is a major railroad station that opened in 1925 in Chicago. It replaced an earlier station built in 1881. It is now the only intercity rail terminal in Chicago, as well as being the city's primary terminal for commuter trains.

The station stands on the west side of the Chicago River between West Adams Street and West Jackson Boulevard, just outside the Chicago Loop. Including approach and storage tracks, it is about nine and a half city blocks in size. Its facilities are mostly underground, buried beneath streets and skyscrapers. It is located near the Willis Tower.

Images for kids

One of the two grand staircases, where famous movie scenes, such as in The Untouchables (1987), were filmed.

The Great Hall

The first Union Station

Planned appearance of the second Union Station

Union Station, December 1924

The 1925 dedication of the new station.

Chicago Daily News Building

A photo by Jack Delano of Chicago's Union Station in 1943, one of its busiest periods